CAD-CAM is the acronym for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, it offers high precision and high quality restorations. The whole process involves 3D designing and imaging of the teeth using computer software. Once the restoration is designed by the computer under the direction of a dentist, the information is sent to a sculpting machine which creates the restoration to exact specification. The precision and fit of such crowns are much superior to manually built-up crowns.
Why use CAD-CAM systems to fabricate dental restorations?
Dental CAD-CAM systems have advantages that cannot be matched with respect to the strength of materials and precision of the restorations. Dental materials used here are manufactured using standardized manufacturing procedures under strict quality control. These materials are generally better in quality, strength, and durability than those used to make dental restorations in the traditional casting process. Furthermore, due to computer controlled milling process, the materials are not subjected human error that can lead to problems. Therefore, dental restorations fabricated from CAD-CAM systems possess optimum strength (all-ceramic materials have a flexural strength > 500 MPa). In terms of a restorations precision, because of the accuracy of the scanner, software, and milling machine in a CAD-CAM system, the fit of the dental restorations is quite predictable.
IPS e.max System
A family of products, and a variety of processing techniques, e.max is really a complete ceramic system designed to provide esthetic, metal free solutions for most indications. This system is considered to be the most aesthetic ceramic system till date in the market.
Depending on the case requirements, two types of materials are available for CAD/CAM techniques: the
innovative IPS e.max CAD glass-ceramic blocks (Lithium disilicate) and the high-strength zirconium oxide IPS e.max ZirCAD.
IPS e.max can be pressed or milled using Enhanced Procera 2G software and the Sirona inLab MC XL milling machine
